02 August 2022
Get the lowdown on what's new in Formula One, go back-to-basics with exclusive #F1 Insights by our guest writers, and get tips from industry experts from the Formula One fraternity.
Get the lowdown on what's new in Formula One, go back-to-basics with exclusive #F1 Insights by our guest writers, and get tips from industry experts from the Formula One fraternity.
Share To
Share this page:
Posted on 2 August 2022
We may not be wild about sipping champagne from a shoe but we surely can celebrate the adrenaline-fuelled race weekend with a round of drinks. Singapore boasts an exciting nightlife scene, with some of the best bars in Asia just a stone’s throw away from the Circuit Park. Skip the classics and go for something uniquely Singaporean – with alluring interiors and even more intriguing ingredients, check out these must-try cocktails that will get your heart racing faster than you can say ‘pit-stop’.
SINGAPORE SLING
You can’t leave the island without trying our most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Widely regarded as the national drink, the Singapore Sling was concocted by Raffles Hotel’s then-bartender Mr Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. This gin-based cocktail contains pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, Bénédictine, grenadine and cherry liqueur.
Long Bar, #02-01, Raffles Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd
MADAME PRESIDENT
Image credit: Jigger and Pony
Recognised as Asia’s Best Bar in 2020 and the ninth best in the world, Jigger and Pony presents classic concoctions and fresh cocktail twists in the heart of the central business district. Take your pick from many standout drinks, but we say go for the one with the highest honour, Madame President with Monkey 47 Gin, kaffir dry vermouth, orchid and bitter melon liqueur and a Campari lollipop.
Jigger and Pony, 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd
MR BEAN
Get ready for an adventure with every innovative drink at the award-winning Jekyll & Hyde, one of Singapore’s pioneer cocktail bars since 2013. Don’t be surprised by intriguing additions – bacon, peanut butter, bananas and exotic spices – as you take your pick of a signature cocktail. Try the Mr Bean, a cocktail with Singapore’s popular tau huay soy bean pudding, butterscotch liqueur, Frangelico and vodka.
Jekyll & Hyde, 74 Neil Road
DEVIL IN THE DETAILS
Image credit: The Secret Mermaid
The devil is in the details at The Secret Mermaid, a tasting room and cocktail bar with a focus on presenting the largest menu of American craft spirits in Singapore. Try the Devil In The Details cocktail at this speakeasy, a rum infused beverage with white dragonfruit, pink dragonfruit, lime and lavender bitters.
The Secret Mermaid, 10 Collyer Quay, B1-09, Ocean Financial Centre
We strive for accuracy, but during these uncertain times, we recommend you visit bars’ websites to verify opening hours and for the latest information before heading out.
Share To
Share this page:
Posted on 1 July 2022
Think you’ve covered all the attractions that Singapore has to offer? Think again. Set aside your guidebook and squeeze in any of these ten unique local experiences for a memorable Grand Prix weekend.
1. Challenge your friends to kart racing
Can’t get enough of motor racing? Challenge your friends and family to a fun kart race at KF1 or The Karting Arena’s electric go karts. Experience the thrilling twists and turns on the race track and see if you have got what it takes to come out as champion. Height and age restrictions apply.
2. Explore a military bunker or tour an old cemetery
Go nine-metres deep under Fort Canning Hill and venture into the Battlebox, a World War 2 secret Command Centre built in the 1930s. Join the guided tour through the twisting passages and gain an insight into Singapore’s wartime history. History buffs can also explore Singapore’s largest Chinese cemetery, Bukit Brown. This century-old cemetery houses the resting places of many Chinese pioneers who made significant contributions in Singapore’s rich history. Choose to walk self-guided or join a guided tour for an insight into their stories, the tomb designs and uncover secrets that lie within.
3. Go on an island-hopping adventure
Did you know Singapore has 64 islands that surround the mainland? Hop on a ferry and explore the islands in the Southern and Northeastern part of Singapore. Visit sacred sites on Kusu Island, go fishing or have a picnic on St John’s Island, swim in the beach paradise of Lazarus Island or go snorkelling at the Sisters’ Island Marine Park. If you’d like more adventure, book a kayaking expedition through the mangroves of rustic Pulau Ubin. Once there, don’t miss hiking through the Chek Jawa wetlands, a treasure trove of Singapore’s biodiversity.
4. Try your hand at pottery in an 80-year old dragon kiln
Explore Singapore’s oldest surviving brick-built kiln at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Originally built for the mass production of latex cups, water jars and flower pots, the kiln now serves as a platform for artists, potters and members of the public to gain a deeper appreciation of the disappearing art of wood-firing. Go on a guided dragon kiln tour or try your hand at making a wood-fired piece in a pottery workshop.
5. Discover Instagrammable spots for the perfect #OOTD
Take out your smartphones and explore the most picture-perfect spots in Singapore. Spot the street art in Chinatown, Little India and Kampung Glam, photograph the colourful heritage shophouses in Joo Chiat and Katong, admire the magnificent Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay or head to the Fort Canning Park where you can walk back in time to the 14th century at the historical Sang Nila Utama Garden or snap an #OOTD at the Park’s iconic spiral staircase. Prefer an aerial view? Make a pit stop at one of the many rooftop bars in Singapore.
6. Visit Singapore’s more eclectic museums
Check out vintage toys at MINT Museum of Toys, gain an insight into Peranakan culture at heritage spaces the NUS Baba House or The Intan, step through a giant camera-shaped building into the Vintage Camera Museum, view dinosaur fossils at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, explore the world's largest display of contemporary design at the Red Dot Design Museum or why not catch a glimpse of Buddha’s tooth at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum.
7. Travel the world on a scent journey
Go on a scent discovery with a Master Perfumer at local perfumery Sifr Aromatics. Gain an insight into different perfume-making techniques on a scent journey across continents right in the heart of the Kampung Glam ethnic district. After your experience, go for a stroll and check out the boutiques at Haji Lane or fuel up at any of the restaurants or trendy cafes nearby.
8. Go round island on a bicycle
Rent a bicycle and see Singapore from a new perspective. Whizz through the numerous Park Connector Networks and be treated with spectacular sea views, idyllic parks and charming suburbs along the way. Whether you are a novice or an expert, there’s a cycling trail to appease everyone. Go for the scenic Mandai loop circuit which starts in the heart of the city and passes the old Singapore Grand Prix track at Old Upper Thomson Road. Seasoned cyclists can consider the 36-kilometre Coast-to-Coast trail which cuts across the island and covers some of the best parks and natures reserves in Singapore.
9. Go on a hiking trail through a nature reserve
As a city in a garden, there are abundant green spots on the island. Hike through the four nature reserves, discover Singapore’s rich flora and fauna or relax in one of more than 300 parks across the island.
Get closer to nature along the 10-kilometre Southern Ridges, which is also one of the best trails in Singapore for stunning views of the city, harbour and Southern Islands. Or hike a former railway line, the 24-kilometre Rail Corridor from the North to South of Singapore passing through lush green landscapes and heritage structures.
10. Fill your tummy with Singaporean delicacies at any hour
Join a local guide on a food tour of Singapore’s local cuisine, or plan ahead and go self-guided. From exploring the hawker culture – a UNESCO pick for its Intangible Cultural Heritage – to dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, there’s a culinary experience to appease every gastronome whatever the hour. Be sure to savour Singapore’s famous local delicacies like chicken rice, nasi briyani, nasi lemak, kaya toast, buah keluak stew and many more – the options are endless even after dark. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
We strive for accuracy, but during these uncertain times, we recommend you visit the attractions’ websites to verify opening hours and for the latest information before heading out. For more details, visit: https://www.visitsingapore.com
Share To
Share this page:
Posted on 2 June 2022
There’s no doubt about it: Formula 1’s thrilling new era with its futuristic cars has already been a massive success with closer racing – across the first seven rounds – with a largely shuffled grid, Red Bull and Ferrari stoush upfront, and hyper-competitive midfield. Where will we be come the return of F1’s original night race, in Singapore, on September 30 to October 2?
The answer is, trackside and on the edge of our seats, as F1’s top guns take on Marina Bay in vastly more challenging cars – with no room for error, just one tiny lapse in concentration sending them straight to the scene of the accident. Add in cockpit temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius at racing speeds, and you have the world’s best racers on the absolute limit.
Will Red Bull Racing, though, get its first Singapore victory since 2013, given Sergio Pérez’s win at tight and twisty Monaco in May?
But, what’s different about these new cars? They use what’s known as ground effect aerodynamics (under the car) that pulls it closer to the track for higher cornering speeds, but also directs the air skyward as it leaves the rear wing to allow the pursuing car to close up, make a move and overtake.
That was the theory, but it’s no surprise we’ve seen success on-track with the project overseen by Formula 1’s esteemed managing director of motorsports, Ross Brawn – the mastermind behind Michael Schumacher’s titles at Benetton and Ferrari, and Mercedes’ recent dominance (2014-2020).
What are the new cars like to drive, though?
“At the end of the day it’s still a Formula One car and a lot of things are still the same on the system side and the way you set-up the car,” says Haas F1 Team’s Kevin Magnussen, who returned to the grid in 2022 after a year out.
“But, the new era cars drive a little differently, the tyres are different, and the way the car produces downforce comes from different places.”
As Magnussen says, the new cars are on different Pirelli tyres, with the sport switching from 13-inch wheels (that have featured in F1 since the 1960s) to more road-relevant low-profile 18-inch rubber.
The development work done by Pirelli was exhaustive, with more than 10,000 hours of indoor testing, and over 5000 of simulation. It also created more than 70 virtual prototypes and 30 physical ones, with 4267 laps driven, equating to 20,000 kilometres: half the earth’s circumference.
Given the huge technical challenge, most teams have opted to retain drivers for consistent feedback, though not all have, with the Silver Arrows opting to bring in highly rated young gun George Russell alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton. And he’s already proven quite the revelation, outpacing his illustrious teammate.
Russell replaced Flying Finn Valtteri Bottas, who’s now at Alfa Romeo Racing, alongside 2022’s sole rookie, Zhou Guanyu as China’s first ever F1 race driver. Over at Williams, Alex Albon has returned to the grid, after a season out as Red Bull reserve, pairing Nicholas Latifi. The Canadian is one of four drivers yet to race in Singapore, along with Zhou, Mick Schumacher who drives for Haas, and Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri.
There’s much to look forward to, with races galore before the sport flies out to the hot nights and bright lights of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022. Bring it on!
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022 will be held from September 30-October 2, with more information at singaporegp.sg
Share To
Share this page:
Posted on 6 August 2021
Singapore Grand Prix past and present: How are they similar?
The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix may have held its inaugural race back in 2008, but did you know that as a motor race, the Singapore Grand Prix actually has a rich heritage?
Yes, the engines were revved and the chequered flag was waved on this island as far back as 1961!
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
Unlike its modern counterpart, however, the Singapore Grand Prix was not a Formula 1 race and had both car and motorcycle categories. The event was also held in the day on a circuit located at the Upper Thomson Road area.
From 1961 to 1974, 13 editions of the old grand prix were held, before it was discontinued due to safety concerns.
Despite the contrasting eras and technical differences between the old event and the new Singapore Grand Prix, however, both share essential similarities.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
Street Circuits
Both the old and current Singapore Grand Prix run on very challenging street circuits.
At 4.8km long, the old circuit ran clockwise along the old and new Upper Thomson Roads. The racetrack, which had around 13 turns, was known to have some notorious features, such as the treacherous Circus Hairpin and the dangerous Devil’s Bend. Cars were also known to lift off the ground when taking a right turn at high speed along the Thomson Mile!
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left) and Formula 1(Right)
In contrast, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix’s Marina Bay Street Circuit is longer at 5.063km. It has the most turns (23) and is just one of a few circuits in F1 that runs anti-clockwise. Threading the barriers under the lights of the racetrack, cars would reach speeds of up to 325km/h.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left)
While the Marina Bay Street Circuit does not possess the same notoriety as the old Upper Thomson Circuit, it is no less challenging for drivers. With ambient humidity at over 80 percent and cockpit temperatures reaching as high as 60 degrees Celsius, drivers are known to lose up to 3kg in body fluids during the race. The F1 night race also has a 100 percent record for the appearance of the Safety Car.
Boosting the local economy
Regardless of its era, the Singapore Grand Prix boosts Singapore’s economy through tourism.
The old Singapore Grand Prix was created as part of a government initiated tourism campaign called “Visit Singapore – The Orient Year”. The campaign sought to encourage tourists to visit the island through various events, including the race.
As it turned out, Singapore experienced a record year for tourism in 1961, with over 100,000 tourists coming here, thanks to the success of the old Singapore Grand Prix. These visitors also gave the local economy a vital leg up by spending an estimated M$79.5 million during their time here.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left)
Similarly, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is part of a larger campaign to give the Republic an added buzz in attracting visitors from overseas. The race, with its unique mix of lifestyle, sport and entertainment, has generated an average of $150 million in tourism receipts annually. That is more than $1.5 billion in earnings since its inception in 2008!
Furthermore, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix has also generated good opportunities for local businesses with more than 90 percent of race-related works sub-contracted to Singapore-based companies. Our entertainment, hospitality and education sectors have also been significant beneficiaries.
High attendance rates
People have flocked to the Singapore Grand Prix, be it old or new.
Back in 1961, the first edition of the old Singapore Grand Prix saw more than 120,000 spectators attending the event over the 16 to 17 September race weekend. In fact, the attendance was so overwhelming on the second day that the police had to halt ticket sales at the main entrances an hour after the race had begun.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left)
Compared to the past, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is a much more orderly affair, but its attendance figures are pretty mind-boggling. The average attendance at each edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix stands at over 250,000. In fact, the most recent race held in 2019 set the second highest attendance record in its history, drawing 268,000 to the Marina Bay Street Circuit!
Both raised Singapore’s profile on the world map
The old Singapore Grand Prix’s success led it to become an internationally renowned event. It frequently attracted the participation of top drivers from the region.
International recognition was also given to races at the event. In 1966, its main car race received a listing on the world motor-racing calendar in 1966, although it was still not part of the world championship.
International audiences were also drawn to the grand prix. A half-hour film of the 1972 edition of the event was televised across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. The actual race itself was telecast live across Asian, Australia, and New Zealand in 1973.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
As part of the Formula 1 calendar, the Singapore Grand Prix of today hosts the pinnacle of world motorsport. The race is a well-known global event that is broadcast live to almost every country on the planet and is watched by millions around the world. In addition, it is also well-covered online, as well as popularly followed on social media. Over the years, the event has attracted a global audience of more than 930 million.
Every edition of the race has seen more than 250,000 attendees at the event’s Circuit Park over the three-day race weekend.
It is a pretty safe bet to say that while not everyone has the geographical inclination to know where exactly Singapore is on the world map, most will at the very least know of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix also known as the F1 night race.
Whenever the race rolls around into town, the Republic dazzles as a grand prix related festival of parties, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions is held, making it shine on the world map.
Regardless of the era, it is undeniable that the Singapore Grand Prix has the ability to give Singapore and the world a special buzz of excitement. Sparks fly whenever it is held and our place on the world map glows brighter than ever.
Share To
Share this page:
Posted on 6 August 2021
Singapore Grand Prix past and present: How are they similar?
The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix may have held its inaugural race back in 2008, but did you know that as a motor race, the Singapore Grand Prix actually has a rich heritage?
Yes, the engines were revved and the chequered flag was waved on this island as far back as 1961!
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
Unlike its modern counterpart, however, the Singapore Grand Prix was not a Formula 1 race and had both car and motorcycle categories. The event was also held in the day on a circuit located at the Upper Thomson Road area.
From 1961 to 1974, 13 editions of the old grand prix were held, before it was discontinued due to safety concerns.
Despite the contrasting eras and technical differences between the old event and the new Singapore Grand Prix, however, both share essential similarities.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
Street Circuits
Both the old and current Singapore Grand Prix run on very challenging street circuits.
At 4.8km long, the old circuit ran clockwise along the old and new Upper Thomson Roads. The racetrack, which had around 13 turns, was known to have some notorious features, such as the treacherous Circus Hairpin and the dangerous Devil’s Bend. Cars were also known to lift off the ground when taking a right turn at high speed along the Thomson Mile!
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left) and Formula 1(Right)
In contrast, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix’s Marina Bay Street Circuit is longer at 5.063km. It has the most turns (23) and is just one of a few circuits in F1 that runs anti-clockwise. Threading the barriers under the lights of the racetrack, cars would reach speeds of up to 325km/h.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left)
While the Marina Bay Street Circuit does not possess the same notoriety as the old Upper Thomson Circuit, it is no less challenging for drivers. With ambient humidity at over 80 percent and cockpit temperatures reaching as high as 60 degrees Celsius, drivers are known to lose up to 3kg in body fluids during the race. The F1 night race also has a 100 percent record for the appearance of the Safety Car.
Boosting the local economy
Regardless of its era, the Singapore Grand Prix boosts Singapore’s economy through tourism.
The old Singapore Grand Prix was created as part of a government initiated tourism campaign called “Visit Singapore – The Orient Year”. The campaign sought to encourage tourists to visit the island through various events, including the race.
As it turned out, Singapore experienced a record year for tourism in 1961, with over 100,000 tourists coming here, thanks to the success of the old Singapore Grand Prix. These visitors also gave the local economy a vital leg up by spending an estimated M$79.5 million during their time here.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left)
Similarly, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is part of a larger campaign to give the Republic an added buzz in attracting visitors from overseas. The race, with its unique mix of lifestyle, sport and entertainment, has generated an average of $150 million in tourism receipts annually. That is more than $1.5 billion in earnings since its inception in 2008!
Furthermore, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix has also generated good opportunities for local businesses with more than 90 percent of race-related works sub-contracted to Singapore-based companies. Our entertainment, hospitality and education sectors have also been significant beneficiaries.
High attendance rates
People have flocked to the Singapore Grand Prix, be it old or new.
Back in 1961, the first edition of the old Singapore Grand Prix saw more than 120,000 spectators attending the event over the 16 to 17 September race weekend. In fact, the attendance was so overwhelming on the second day that the police had to halt ticket sales at the main entrances an hour after the race had begun.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore(Left)
Compared to the past, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is a much more orderly affair, but its attendance figures are pretty mind-boggling. The average attendance at each edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix stands at over 250,000. In fact, the most recent race held in 2019 set the second highest attendance record in its history, drawing 268,000 to the Marina Bay Street Circuit!
Both raised Singapore’s profile on the world map
The old Singapore Grand Prix’s success led it to become an internationally renowned event. It frequently attracted the participation of top drivers from the region.
International recognition was also given to races at the event. In 1966, its main car race received a listing on the world motor-racing calendar in 1966, although it was still not part of the world championship.
International audiences were also drawn to the grand prix. A half-hour film of the 1972 edition of the event was televised across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. The actual race itself was telecast live across Asian, Australia, and New Zealand in 1973.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
As part of the Formula 1 calendar, the Singapore Grand Prix of today hosts the pinnacle of world motorsport. The race is a well-known global event that is broadcast live to almost every country on the planet and is watched by millions around the world. In addition, it is also well-covered online, as well as popularly followed on social media. Over the years, the event has attracted a global audience of more than 930 million.
Every edition of the race has seen more than 250,000 attendees at the event’s Circuit Park over the three-day race weekend.
It is a pretty safe bet to say that while not everyone has the geographical inclination to know where exactly Singapore is on the world map, most will at the very least know of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix also known as the F1 night race.
Whenever the race rolls around into town, the Republic dazzles as a grand prix related festival of parties, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions is held, making it shine on the world map.
Regardless of the era, it is undeniable that the Singapore Grand Prix has the ability to give Singapore and the world a special buzz of excitement. Sparks fly whenever it is held and our place on the world map glows brighter than ever.
Share To
Share this page:
Posted on 8 July 2021
You may know the Marina Bay Street Circuit today as the glitzy crown jewel of Formula1 situated in the heart of downtown Singapore, surrounded by iconic heritage buildings, modern architecture and a stunning skyline. But did you know that prior to Singapore’s urban transformation, large parts of the track did not exist at all?
Back in the day, the Marina Bay area was just a waterfront serving as a docking point for ships that were too large to enter the Singapore River. In the 1970s, parts of the Marina Bay was reclaimed, as the land was necessary for Singapore’s development.
Today, while the reclaimed parts of the Marina Bay Street Circuit date back to the 1970s, the oldest areas of the circuit are more than 100 years old. The circuit park for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix spans 799,000sqm – that’s the size of 80 soccer fields!
Take a look at how the home of Formula 1 night racing has developed over the years.
Nearly three-quarters of track is on reclaimed land. This 1862 map of Singapore.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
Town shows the waterfront has been extended far beyond and developed into the present-day Marina Bay district.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
More modern buildings and taller skyscrapers pepper the iconic Singapore skyline today.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
360 hectares of land was reclaimed to create the stunning city skyline we see today.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
Before the land reclamation project in 1971, ships would dock at the waterfront near the Padang. Goods were loaded onto bumboats for transfer to warehouses along the Singapore River. Today, five train stations serve the circuit park.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
Bridging the old and new – Built in 1910, Anderson Bridge is one of two vehicular bridges that make up part of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Image credit for the left: US Library of Congress
Who would have thought that F1 cars would pass this very site some 131 years later? In 1890, rickshaws would pass the Hotel de L'Europe, now the site of the National Gallery Singapore.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
Same same but different. Some 80 years after this photo was taken, the Old Supreme Court and City Hall have been converted into the National Gallery Singapore.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
The Padang has witnessed many major historical events. Since 2008, this site has also seen about 65,000 fans gathering annually to watch world class artistes such as Rihanna, Bon Jovi, The Killers, Muse, Imagine Dragons, Ariana Grande, Linkin Park and Mariah Carey on stage over the race weekend.
Image credit for the left: National Archives of Singapore
The Padang has been welcoming visitors to relax on the grassy field since the 1900s. Over the F1 race weekend, the site is transformed into a concert arena complete with a wide variety of food offerings and other recreational activities.